(from Noble Press
Release) In 2000, the Noble M12 GTO threatened to turn the
established supercar market on its head. With its mix of scorching
performance, race-bred dynamics and immaculate build quality, the
Noble could be bought for a fraction of the cost of most of its
rivals, but gave away nothing to them on the road and track. The
press raved about it and demand rapidly grew as buyers saw this
British-designed car as a credible alternative to cars costing more
than twice the price.

The original Noble M12 GTO was fitted with a 2.5-litre V6 engine
using twin turbochargers and produced 310bhp (314PS) Ė enough for it
to accelerate from 0-60mph (0-97kph) in 3.9 seconds and 100mph
(160kph) in 9.4 seconds (figures from Autocar magazine). As if this
wasnít fast enough, at the start of 2003, Noble upped power further
by replacing the 2.5-litre unit with a 3.0-litre V6 engine, again
with twin turbochargers, but this time producing 352bhp (357PS).

There are currently two models in the range: the M12 GTO-3 and the
M12 GTO-3R. Both cars use the same engines and underpinnings, but
there are significant differences in styling, refinement and
transmissions. The M12 GTO-3 is the entry model in the range, with a
list price of £47,950. As with the GTO-3R, it has a GRP composite
body over a spaceframe chassis offering impressive levels of
structural and torsional rigidity. Inside, the cabin is spacious
enough to accommodate people over six-foot tall and has excellent
ergonomics, adjustable seats and steering column, a fully trimmed
safety roll cage and Alcantara trim as standard.

At a list price of £49,950 the M12 GTO-3R is visually identifiable
from the GTO-3 by its faired-in twin bi-xenon headlights and
Noble-designed ten-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, the 3R has extra
noise insulation and full leather trim as standard. But what really
sets the 3R apart from the 3, is its all-new Getrag-Ford six-speed
gearbox and Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing differential, enhancing
its appeal as both a relaxed, high-speed GT and an accomplished
track day weapon.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The 2968cc, twin-turbocharged V6 used in both Noble models is
transversely mounted in front of the rear axle, directly behind the
cabin. It features four valves per cylinder and double overhead cams
to each bank of cylinders. The all-alloy engine is heavily modified
from standard, with many bespoke components fitted during build. It
produces 352bhp (357PS) at 6200rpm, and is redlined at 7200rpm.

On the road, 350lb ft (475Nm) of torque produced between 3500 and
5000rpm makes the car immensely flexible and easy to drive. Even at
3000rpm, the engine is producing 80 per cent of its available
torque. Thereís also very little lag from the twin Garret T25,
water-cooled turbochargers, meaning a particularly linear response
throughout the rev-range. The turbochargers run a maximum 0.7 bar of
boost and are equipped with an air to air intercooler, centrally
mounted at the rear of the car.

A completely new design of exhaust for the 3.0-litre engine gives
you the choice of enjoying the sporty engine note under hard
acceleration, or savouring the V6ís inherent refinement at cruising
speeds.

The all-new Getrag-Ford six-speed manual gearbox, standard on GTO-3R
models, has closer intermediate ratios than the GTO-3ís five-speed
gearbox, but has an even more relaxed top gear than before, running
26.5mph per 1000rpm. This means that at 70mph the engine is turning
over at a mere 2650rpm.

Also standard with the GTO-3Rís six-speed gearbox is a Quaife
Automatic Torque Biasing differential. This unique, patented unit
shares the basic characteristics of a conventional limited slip
differential, which prevents loss of drive when one wheel starts to
slip. However, the ATB differential has the advantage of gears,
rather than plates, which can wear or break, and therefore servicing
is reduced and reliability improved. The ATB also eliminates much of
the understeer that is inherent in conventional LSDs, by
transferring more torque to the driven wheel that needs it most,
rather than it being split equally between both wheels; this
prevents the rear wheels trying to push the front wheels wide when
cornering.

CHASSIS, SUSPENSION & STEERING

Both M12 models use bodies made from GRP, under which lies an all
steel space frame with bonded and riveted alloy panels; the total
weight for the GTO-3 is extremely light, with a kerbweight of just
1050kgs, while the GTO-3R adds an extra 30kgs, due to better
soundproofing. Continuing the race-bred theme is double wishbone
suspension all round, with alloy uprights and Bilstein shock
absorbers.

A key element of the Noble M12ís success has been its ability to
combine fine on-road dynamics with safe and predictable handling on
a race circuit. A hydraulically power assisted steering rack, with
2.6 turns from lock to lock is quick enough to make fast-road or
track driving rewarding, yet comfortable enough when small
corrections are needed on the motorway. The M12 also has a very
supple ride over a wide range of surfaces, meaning that itís an
entirely practical proposition for everyday use. Yet incredibly, it
can be driven on a race circuit with hardly a trace of body-roll,
and remains composed and controllable at very high speeds.

Both the GTO-3 and the GTO-3R come as standard with a fully trimmed
safety roll cage, race harnesses (in addition to inertia reel
belts), a leather Momo steering wheel and adjustable seats and
steering column. The 3R adds a full leather interior, a Sony
CD/tuner with column mounted remote control, an engine start button
and fitted leather map pockets.

For a full list of equipment and options, please see the
accompanying Noble brochure.

PERFORMANCE

There are few cars in the world that accelerate as quickly as the
Noble M12 GTO-3 and the Noble M12 GTO-3R. Not only do they both have
massive traction off the line, thanks to their mid-engine design,
but they also have potent levels of torque from low down in the
engineís rev-range. This means that there is practically no Ďlagí
before the turbochargers start working, making the Noble a
particularly effortless and easy car to drive fast.

Auto Express magazine tested the Noble GTO-3R and achieved the
following set of acceleration figures using Racelogic
satellite-driven timing equipment at a private test facility.